Chronicles of the SEKIGAHARA

Chronicles of the Sekigahara

Interlude Five

Midnight, Bridge of the Sekigahara;

Hikaru Gosunkugi stared at the scanners at his station, counting each and every white pip appearing out of the void of hyperspace behind the battlegroup. He was not worried, oh no far from that. This was just another headache he�d have to endure as long as they remained on station off the Taurian coast.

Transports. Great, at least they could have been filled to the brim with troops and supplies for the army below, but noooo, oh no. Empty as hollow logs, not a good sign from High Command of their intentions for the planet.

Another group faded into real space, Hikaru letting out another frustrated sigh. He felt a sudden presence standing next to him and looked around to see Captain Saotome standing there.

�How many so far, Hikaru?� he asked, eyes locked on the scanner display.

�With this new group, the counts now up to thirty-five. Lot of Hollywood-class lighters. I don�t know how HC expects us to fly off a complete army and civilians too.�

�It will not be easy, but I�m sure it�s going to be a cramped flight back to Alpha Centauri.�

Gosunkugi laughed stopping abruptly as one then two large pips faded into view. His jaw sagged open in shock. �Holy Cow. Is that what I think that is?�

Genma let out a hum, turning towards the nearest viewport. He peered out catching sight of a large, oblong shaped form moving gracefully into position near Station Hammermill. It almost dwarfed the starstation, an immense expanse of ceramic and steel waiting for it�s first load of cargo. The second cargo vessel slid into position, and Genma returned to the O.O.D.�s station.

�Yep, Nomad�s,� he said with a smile.

�Where did they manage to find those in such short time?�

�Transport Command is working overtime it appears.�

�I�ll say. Three more just arrived. Whew, is this going to be an escort nightmare.�

Gosunkugi�s observation sent Genma into deep thought. Stretched as thin as they were now, proper escort, not to mention air defense would surely become difficult to maintain.

�Captain,� called Ensign Ryooko Mendou from the Air Coordinators station. �Convoy commander is on line. He wants to speak to someone in charge.�

Genma pointed to the main screen. It flickered, fading into a display of a transport bridge. Seated in the large command chair at the center sat a gruff, stout being Genma could only relate to a gnome out of his earlier childhood fairy-tales. The being�s dark brown leathery skin appeared weathered, a thick growth of black and beige hair about his chins and neck. Part of his head was bandaged over, but there appeared a wild, almost insane glimmer of light in his one good eye.

[I�m Captain Genma Saotome, Executive Officer of the Sekigahara, sir.]

The being snorted loudly, letting out a loud gravely grunt.

[(Snort, snort) I�m Commodore Anguo-Yhua, Commander of Convoy Eighteen, or what�s left of it (snort, snort)!]

[You appear injured, Commodore.]

Commodore Angua let out a laugh, a thick stubby paw waving off the comment. [Ah, it�s nothing, Captain (snort). A small scratch experienced during transport of several armies to Arkab.]

[I see.]

[So, Captain,] continued Angua, sitting forwards in his chair. [I understand we�re hauling some grunts off of Tauri?]

Genma lowered his head a moment, trying to hide his smile. [Uh, yes sir. And as many civilians as possible.]

The Commodore�s paws slammed down on the armrest of his chair, startling several of his bridge staff around him. [Gah! (snort, snort) another planet going from our control!] said Angua, broad teeth gnashing together several times.

[Unfortunate, but situations elsewhere prevent a static defense, or so thinks High Command.]

[High Command! Bunch of scared women fearing for their hides, GARHAHAHAHA (snort, snort, snort)!]

Sasami, manning the scanner station across from Gosunkugi, planted her fist to her hips, mouth dropping open in surprise. Females on duty mimicked her move, and before anyone of them could let loose upon the brash being Genma waved a hand motioning for them to settle down.

[Uh, yes sir. Commodore Masaki is being awoken now. Admiral Happosai and Cologne should also be in communication with you shortly.]

[Good, good! I�ll be expecting to hear from them shortly. Standing-by.]

The screen returned to normal.

�Did you hear that, that egotistical moron!� shouted Sasami, whirling around to Genma.

�Settle down, Sasami. Not every lifeform shares the same ideas we have.�

A Caitian female looked away from her scanner console. �NNNI�d like to go over and show him what a scared female can do!� she snarled, making an angry swipe though the air with a paw.

Gosunkugi grimaced, drawing back in his chair. �And who said males are the deadlier of the species,� he muttered, drawing a laugh from the rest of the bridge staff.

�Okay, let�s not get carried away, ladies,� said Genma. �Sasami, begin plotting transport corridors to Tauri please. Gosunkugi, I�m going to be bold and order Commander Kamui�s task group to join up with the convoy. Captain Tylor�s small squadron of destroyers will not be able to provide ample coverage for all of those ships.�

�What about the northern hemisphere, sir?� asked Ryooko.

Genma looked briefly up at the main screen. �We�ll plant a Farshadow with escort there to fill the gap. Get me Captain Godot. I�ll need to ask him to farm off one or two of his ships to back them up.�

�He doesn�t have that many now, sir,� Gosunkugi pointed out to Genma. A withering stare made the man blanch. �Uh, getting him, sir.�

Sasami tapped the keys on her console loudly, every tap echoing across the bridge. �Scared women,� she muttered in a mocking tone up under her breath, letting out several short snorts. The males around her snickered hiding their faces as she paused to glare angrily at them.

<I�m with you, Sasami,> said Ryooko over the intercom of her headset. <I feel an �accidental� air attack on a certain Nomad coming on!>

<Later, ladies,> Genma said to their surprise. <Let�s maintain our focus here.>

The two continued on silently with their assignments, and Genma paused to reflect upon this new task before them.

No matter which way he looked at it, things were not going to get any better.

Not by a long shot.

* * * * *

The occupied moon of Viz,

Telus Base Operations Center;

Nine cycles had passed and Sub-Lord General Fezell-on continued to plan and monitor his forces overrunning Tauri without sleep for much of that time. Not the most bodily Proximian in the operations room, some would say he edged towards the feminine side sporting a long ponytail of bright blond hair that draped down to his waist; nevertheless there was high regard for his prowess and skill as a warrior. Despite a largely under-strength army whose primary role had not been to invade the Taurian homeworld, with moderate reinforcement he managed to crush their forces, and those of the Federations in quick lightening strikes, fettering his opponent into a slowly compacting perimeter that was soon to collapse once the right pressure was applied.

The only thing that delayed the inevitable outcome of this protracted campaign was the appearance of the Federation Navy, particularly the two carriers and their force of aircraft that almost immediately brought a halt to his armies along the entire length of the front. Only by his foresight to station a good number of regiments here on the captured moon of Viz prevented the Federians from annihilating his troops on the planet surface.

Stalemate was now setting in, a stalemate that began to draw insurmountable pressures with it from his immediate superiors. Fezell-on picked up the wrinkled message lying next to his hand on the tactical table, re-reading the glyphs on it with silent fury.

An officer walked in, snapping briskly to attention next to him.

�Sire,� he said, clasping a fist to his chest.

�Report,� replied Fezell-on nonchalantly.

�Our air reinforcements have completed recovery.�

Fezell-on�s gaze remained fixed on the message in his hand for a moment. Finally, he turned slightly around, the bright of his eyes cutting over to the officer. �And that brings our forces up too?�

�Fifty-six regiments, sire.�

He nodded, gazing back down at the tactical table. �Make?�

�One fighter, three attack, five bomber, sire.�

Excellent, thought Fezell-on. Fighters he had plenty of. Attack planes and bombers were starting to become a more critical item now with the presence of the ships positioned on the other side of the planet. He turned, his hair making a light hiss as it swept along the surface of the table.

�Commander, do you know what this is I hold in my hand?�

The Commander stared at the crumpled message. �I�ve not read it, milord,� he answered.

Fezell-on drew in a deep breath. �This, is my death warrant, Commander. A direct order not from Lord Belushia mind you, but from Lord Commander Alikidar himself instructing me to complete operations on Tauri within one tannet, or suffer his wrath.�

The Commander swallowed the sudden fear lump in his throat, watching as Fezell-on re-crumpled the message back up in his hand. Tossing it aside, he turned and faced the tactical table once again.

�We have a dilemma on our hands, Commander.�

�Figuring a way to crush the Taurian army, sire?�

�No,� answered Fezell-on. He tapped the tips of his fingers gently together. �The dilemma is figuring out how to eliminate those accursed Federation carriers and their annoying swarm of aircraft.�

�Are not the other warships a bother, milord?�

�True they bombard our troops, but it is limited to rear echelon units. As long as our armies stay within close proximity of the Taurian army, there is no pressing danger.�

Fezell-on placed his elbows on the glass pane, leaning closer to the display with a devious smile. �The carriers though, they are my main concern.�

A solider approached the Commander, saluting while handing him a new report. He read it, smirking at the information. �Sire, I think we have a new problem on hand,� he said.

Fezell-on stood up. �What now?�

�Our probes have detected more ships have entered Omegan space. Field scanners are also detecting an increase in starport activity on Tauri�

A rapid blinking of the eyes was the only sign that the sub-Lord acknowledged his words. Making a slight shake of his head, Fezell-on broke from his stupor.

�Have we classified them?�

The Commander skimmed though the reports, reviewing all the electronic and intelligence activities of the day.

�Mixed indications, sire. I would think�hold on. Here�s something that is interesting.�

�What is it, Commander?�

�A Deep Space Scanner normally found on Federation major transports. I believe the designator for this type is �Nomad�.�

Fezell-on�s brows shot up. He was quite aware of the gargantuan transports, and of their capabilities. Spinning around, he surveyed the tactical display again.

�Commander, have there been any reports of additional Federation troops. Not Taurian, Federation troops.�

�No sire, but these reports are still but a few cycles old.�

No fresh troops, thought Fezell-on. No sudden appearance of warships, no new attacks? His mind pondered the information around then suddenly; he held his hands up, turning around again.

�Of course,� said Fezell-on, breaking into a laugh.

�Sire?�

�It�s not reinforcements there here for. They�re here to evacuate the army!�

�But how can you be sure of this, milord?�

�If these new ships were more warships, would you not think that by now we would be fighting for our lives, Commander?� Fezell-on stabbed a finger down at the red-violet pocket that symbolized the Federation�s last hold on Tauri. A deadly leer formed, the hint of the final kill tingling his senses.

�They have erred, Commander, and we shall capitalize upon this.�

The Commander�s skilled eye quickly caught the meaning of his leaders intentions.

�Glorious! The Federians are withdrawing. That will leave them exposed to our armies.�

�Precisely, Commander. Our first objective though is too neutralize their carriers like I said.�

�The carriers, sire? Would we not benefit by pressing on to Mago?�

�Yes, but an advance in the face of their pressure would certainly produce more casualties than desired?�

The Commander did not agree with Fezell-on�s plan. �But, sire, I can move Forty-ninth and Seventy-second armies around the western flank and drive on the starports of He�rem and Iurn,� he said, making sweeping gestures at the tactical display.

Fezell-on regarded him for a moment. �Commander, review your teachings sometime. Cutting off your enemies only means of escape makes him fight harder because there is nothing left but that.� He shook his head. �We do not want this.�

�But to allow them to escape--.�

�Not all of them, Commander. A demoralized army serves us better than a determined one, hm?�

Reluctantly, the Commander agreed with him.

�Now then, we must eliminate these two Federation carriers. After that, the major warships will become easier prey for our attack craft to destroy at will.�

A plan started developing in Sub-Lord General Fezell-on�s mind, careful mental calculations devising ways to use this new wrinkle to their advantage.

�They cannot be strong everywhere,� he said, studying the display closer. His eyes cut over to the Commander again. �Fifty-six regiments did you say?�

�Yes, milord.�

�Does that include those on Tauri?�

�No, milord.�

A look of delight covered Fezell-on�s face. Rubbing his chin, he pondered a bit more, turning to his subordinate.

�How long will it take to fully arm every regiment we have here?�

The Commander�s brows furrowed up. �All of them, milord?� he gasped with surprise.

�How long?�

The Commander made a rough estimate. �Ten cycles, sire.�

�Make it five, and pack them too maximum capacity, Commander.�

Seeing the determination in the general�s eyes, the Commander snapped a brisk salute, moving off to carry out the orders.

Fezell-on grinned down at the tactical display, running a finger in slow circles around the icons symbolizing the Tunis and Sekigahara. He chuckled evenly, anticipating the victory that lay in his grasp�

* * * * *

Female Officers Sauna Room,

Deck 12, Sekigahara;

Breaks were few and far between and Ayeka was not about to pass up on the opportunity to soak before her next flight. A light mist filled the large sauna, but she could see it was not crowded, a few people lounging around trying to enjoy this rare privilege.

She hung her bathrobe on one of the hooks, stepping gingerly into the inviting water. �Ahh�, she sighed, sinking deeper into pool. The door at the far end suddenly opened and in walked Ryoko. Their eyes met, sneers of contempt curling their lips.

�Oh great, now you�ve come to muck up the water,� snapped Ryoko.

Ayeka started to rise, but a sharp pain at the base of her back brought memories of the ship�s brig to mind. She set back down, ignoring the remark.

�You just mind yourself, Ensign,� said Ayeka. �And stay on that side of the pool.�

�No problem,� replied Ryoko, apparently not ready for a return trip herself.

The dull throb from minor bruises and bumps around her body made Ayeka grimace again. She inched out further into the warm waters and scooped a hand full up with the intent of pouring it over her head. Muscles protested in agony, her arms rising only so far. Letting out a sigh, Ayeka shook her head.

�Is there no end to my miseries?� she said.

�Here, let me help you,� came a voice from behind her.

Ayeka looked slowly back to find Ukyo Kuonji in the water. The woman took up a hand full of water and gently poured it over Ayeka�s head and shoulders. The water felt good, and she shuddered. Careful fingers began massaging sore spots around her shoulder.

�How�s that?� asked Ukyo.

�Oh, that is much better. Thank you.�

�You looked like you need it. How�d you get all bruised up like this?�

�Humph! It�s from sleeping on those so-called things they call beds in the brig! Such uncomfortable contraptions they are.�

Ukyo could not help but laugh at Ayeka�s explanation. �It�s the brig, honey. Not built with hotel accommodations in mind.�

�But I am-- ooo, ah! Lower, lower�I am a Princess of Jurai, and should not be treated to such inhuman conditions.� Ayeka pointed angrily across the pool. �It�s because of her, that I�m in this condition.�

Ryoko furrowed her brows, sinking deeper into the water.

�Oh I see. Captain Zenigata finally sprang you two out of the joint.�

�Yes, but he also demoted us. Demoted! Me, a--.�

�A Princess of Jurai, yes I know.�

Ayeka�s shoulders sagged. �It�s only temporary, but it�s the principle of the matter that counts!�

�Shouldn�t have been fighting then.�

�Don�t let that old woman snow you, Ukyo,� Ryoko called across the pool. �All that �Princess of Jurai, Princess of Jurai� crap is just that. Crap!�

�What! Why you�and who are you calling old?�

Ukyo moved between them. �Ladies. You just got out, so behave,� she said firmly.

Ayeka let out a huff, creating a large splash as she whirled away from them. �Old!� she grumbled. �There are no wrinkles on my face.�

�That because you�ve got some doctor tightening�em up every quarter,� muttered Ryoko.

�Relax,� said Ukyo, resuming her massage of Ayeka�s overly tense neck muscles. Shooting Ryoko a quick hard look, she guided the princess over to the far corner. Once she had settled down, Ukyo continued on with their conversation.

�Well, we missed out on the big stuff it seems.�

�Yeah I heard,� replied Ryoko. �Largest Shark Hunt ever, and I�m stuck in the hole.�

�I hear Mihoshi might get a medal for shooting down the Green Ghost,� said Ayeka.

�Might? I counted three recommendations so far,� replied Ukyo.

�That girl is just rack�em up! Comes out here an ensign, now look at her, a lieutenant. Soon she�ll be take�n over Admiral Cologne�s spot!�

�But you have got to hand it to her. She is one hell of a pilot,� said Ukyo.

�Mihoshi�s Luck, that�s what it is,� Ayeka corrected her.

�Well I�d settle for that any day. I just barely made it our second week here.�

Ukyo held out her right arm showing Ayeka the long reddish-pink seam of newly regened skin that ran up its length. The princess winced, leaning slightly aside.

�I�ll bet that hurt,� she said.

�Yeah, but its okay now. Doc T cleared me for duty today.�

The side entrance door opened; Lieutenant Commander Sakura entering locked in conversation with Shampoo, Akane, and Shinobu.

�Hi, girls!� called Ukyo, waving at them.

Akane and Shampoo�s faces lit up. �Ukyo! You�re up!� replied Akane as she doffed her robe and slippers.

The four women eagerly entered the water, settling in for a long soak.

�This hit the spot,� said Sakura leaning back on the pool seat.

Shinobu finished putting up her hair, looking at Ukyo and Ayeka. �So you girls are back on flying status now?�

�Yep,� answered Ukyo. �I�m glad you guys showed up. It was hard keeping the rock�em-sock�em duo here from going back onto the inactive rolls again.�

�Really, Princess Ayeka,� said Akane.

�I am innocent!� cried Ayeka, splashing the water around her and Ukyo. �Why is everyone picking on me?�

�What�d I tell you,� said Ryoko, cackling like an evil witch. �Look at that tantrum. Feh!� She sank back down into he previous position, through for now spinning Ayeka up.

Sakura giggled and then turned to Shampoo. �And you were saying something about our last fight, Shampoo?�

�Yes! Like Shampoo say, I fire four missiles at running Hammerhead.�

�Four? Bit overuse of the missiles, Shampoo,� commented Shinobu.

The Chinese woman shook her head. �Not one hit.�

Sakura sat up straight. �Not one.�

Shampoo held her hands up flat together. �Missiles go one way, Proximian the other,� he explained parting them in opposite directions.

�So did you go for a gun shot?� asked Akane.

�What silly Akane take me for? Yes Shampoo try gun shot!�

�And you got him?�

�No! We both roll almost into each other. Shampoo end up flying right along side Proximian fool.�

�Oh now that�s something,� said Sakura. �Trade vid numbers?�

�He do something rude.�

�Like shooting at you is not enough?� said Ayeka.

�Proximian make bad gesture!�

�He did what?�

Shampoo extended her middle finger and the girls gasped in surprise.

�He shot you the bird!� exclaimed Ryoko.

�That what it call! Shampoo could not think of way to put in report.�

�Now I�ve heard everything,� said Sakura, laughing. �So did you get him?�

�No, we break off after that.�

Akane let out a deep sigh. �I tell you, these Proximians are getting bolder and bolder every week,� she said, ladling several scoops of water over her body.

�Every week?� countered Shinobu. �Try every day.�

�And why they have better weapons and more machines than we do? Federation twice as big as Proximian Empire.�

�But they�re not fighting on two fronts either,� Sakura remained them. �Still have the Betans pounding on the Terran side of the spiral arm.�

Ryoko and Ukyo moved closer to the conversation.

�Hey, I heard from a few of my intel partners while I was laid up that there�s a big do-rah about to happen on that side of the fence too,� said Ukyo.

�Ooo, maybe we can get reassigned to that quadrant,� Shinobu said hopefully. �I�m tired of fighting Proximians. They�re mean.�

Sakura giggled again. �Sorry, Shinobu, but you saw those transports out there.�

�Yeah. Hey, what�s up with all that?� asked Ryoko.

�Alpha Conglomerate,� answered Sakura. �This group is going nowhere but to support the main fleet around the Alphan homeworlds you can bet on that.�

Letting out a moan, Shinobu made a frustrated splash in the water around her. �Ooo, why can�t we just tell them to go away?� she said, pushing her lips out in a pout.

�Because they want to subjugate us,� replied Ayeka.

�Maybe we can get Belldandy to just wish them away?� joked Akane.

�Who?� asked Sakura.

�Belldandy. You know, that spooky girl from the Heavens Thunder?�

�Not familiar with her?�

Ryoko clicked her tongue. �Woo, Commander. I hear she�s a living, breathing, walking, talking multi-phased primary scanner system.�

�Rumor has it she was the one who picked up those three Prox battleships we blasted last week,� Ukyo added.

�Hmm, that�s very interesting,� Sakura said, stroking her chin in thought.

�Yep. One day the Prox are going to disable our scanner system,� said Akane. �You think they will replace it? Nope. They�re going to put her in an E-suit, wire her up and paste her to the top of the main spar.�

Akane cupped a hand to her left ear. �You got anything, Belldandy?� She switched ears. �No, not yet.�

They all burst out laughing.

The far door slammed open with a loud bang breaking them from their giggles. In stormed Sasami, and by the dark scowl that twisted her normally cheerful features, she was quite upset. The girl went around to an open spot in the sauna, not bothering to hang her robe as it slid form her shoulders to the floor. She kicked her slippers off angrily, gazed down into the water and then fell in face first.

Several of the women shrieked as the water splashed on them.

�Sasami!� shouted Ayeka. �(pfth) Sasami, what are you doing?�

Sasami floated to the surface. She righted herself and moved over to the far corner. Not a word was spoken as she sat down, arms crossing her chest in a huff.

Carefully, they inched steadily towards her.

�Uh, Sasami? Is there something wrong?� asked Ayeka. Ryoko swatted her on the arm with a smirk.

�I am through,� Sasami suddenly said, stopping them. Her eyes cut over, narrowing furiously. �For the next six hours I don�t want to think, hear, speak, or, or, or anything that has to do with bridge ops,� she seethed.

�Hm. Sounds like a bad day at the office,� said Sakura.

�Sasami, what happened?� asked Ayeka.

Sasami looked up at her. �Transports!� she curtly answered, staring back out into empty space again.

�Oyii! Shampoo sees now. Bet that was big mess to manage.�

�Mess?� questioned Sasami. �There was no mess. It was just one� very annoying� overbearing� needed to be neutered� person.�

Akane scratched the side of her head, wondering whom the girl could be referring too. �Gosunkugi?� she guessed.

Sasami�s head snapped around. �No! That poor excuse for a Transport Commodore, that�s who!� she shouted.

Ukyo slowly lowered her arms, quickly bringing them back up for a second thinking the girl was about to shout again.

�So he�s not a people person I gather?� she asked.

�He�s not a people person at all!�

Sasami brought her hands up out of the water, fingers clawing at empty air. �Ooo, and if I get the chance I�m going over there to his ship, and make the largest sow hide shopping bag ever seen in both Federations.�

�Whoops, I need a vidcamera,� Ryoko said. �Sasami threatening a life. Must have record of this.�

�Stop it, Ryoko!� growled Ayeka. She sat down next to her younger sister, placing an arm around her shoulders.

�Now settle down, Sasami. You�re among friends now. Let the water relax your mind and drive all of those bad, awful experiences away.�

�It�s going to take several months to do that, Ayeka,� she replied.

Sasami let out another cry, sinking down beneath the surface of the water again. She stayed that way for several minutes and the women began to wonder if the girl had just committed suicide. Finally, she broached, blowing out a breath.

�The lungs on you,� commented Akane.

Ayeka smiled. �Better?� she asked.

�Ah�yeah,� replied Sasami.

�Good. You sit here for a while. There should be nothing too disturb you anytime soon.�

The General Quarters alarm went off above them, the ships computer passing the word for all hands to man battle stations.

�SHIT!� yelled Ayeka as she clawed her way out of the sauna.

Bodies scrambled for the nearest exits, the rumble of ready aircraft launching echoing through the bulkheads. Ayeka looked back to see Sasami still seated in the water.

�Sasami, come on! We�ve got too go!� she called out to her before running to get dressed.

Sadly, Sasami looked up. She sighed then gripped the edge of the sauna.

�I�m coming,� she said as she pulled herself out of the water.

Like a lifeless puppet, Sasami snatched up her robe and ambled towards the door. �Will this never end?� muttered the distraught girl, even though she already knew the answer�

Episode Six

Unbalanced

Cologne balanced impatiently on her staff as the elevator to the bridge of the Sekigahara whisked through the tubes towards its destination. Around her, the blaring tone of the ships General Quarters alarm continued to moan, add that much more anxiety to her all ready troubled mind. Finally, it stopped, the doors barely open when she bounded through them.

�Where�s the attack, and what is the strength of it?� she asked, hopping her way across the upper air control deck towards Kasumi and her controllers.

Prevailing silence was the only response she received. Cologne�s wrinkled brows furrowed as she moved up to see what held everyone enthralled.

The tactical picture was displayed up on the main screen, the patrol sectors of all the ships, every fighter loiter positions around the planet marked and filled by Blue and Green icons. There appeared to be some problem with the upper right quadrant though, she could see. It was literally blurred white, and then she noticed that it was slowly creeping down towards the groups.

Cologne drew in a long gasp.

�Happy, what is that?� she called down to the command deck.

Happosai�s short frame paced furiously back and forth between Yosho and Genma standing at the railing. His body moved, but his head remained locked on the screen and the approaching disaster.

�Probably the largest raid we�ll ever see in this quadrant, Cologne,� he answered, taking furious puffs on his pipe.

Genma stood awed by the sight, and even Yosho showed signs of surprise in his eyes.

�There�s got to be over a thousand planes coming at us,� he said.

< We�ve counted over a thousand now, Captain,> Gosunkugi informed him. <And its still climbing.>

Yosho told the scanner operator to switch the screen back to primary display. It shifted showing them a grand view of the left side of Tauri. Electronically enhanced pips denoted the horde of Proximian�s rounding the far side of the planet. It looked like a swarm of moths homing in on a porch lamp. They could see the outer screen of warships moving into position; the Tunis group backing slowly away to gain more maneuvering room.

�Goodness, how did they come up on us like this?� asked Cologne.

�Before you got up here, there was a twenty minute electronic battle going on,� answered Soun. �By the time our people managed to counter some of the disturbances, they appeared; Pluto picking up the outer flights first.�

Another series of planes rumbled out from the carriers launch bays. Cologne turned to Kasumi.

�Status,� she asked.

�All Stingrays have been launched, we�re pushing Swallowtails out now,� she reported.

�Hurry them up, child. This looks to be a bad one.�

Out in the void, the fighter pilots of Task Group fifty-six stared at their scanner screens in mortal shock.

[Shit! Look at all these Prox coming at us!] exclaimed Mousse.

[We can see, thank you very much,] replied Shutaro Mendou, nervously rubbing his trigger fingers together.

[How are we going to cover all of that?] asked Lieutenant J.G. Benten.

[We�re not,] said Lupin. [Everyone get control of yourselves and keep a clear head about you. Their push�n wannabe�s out the tubes now. That should give us some help out here.]

[Only if there are no more of these bastards coming to visit,] said Ryoga Hibiki.

Back on the bridge of Sekigahara, the tension built as the first waves of attack craft moved within the outer gun range of the advance screen covering Tunis. Bright flashes lit the darkness as the main guns of the battleship Pluto opened fire, the rest of her group joining in.

�Looks like Jubei�s going to have his hands full,� commented Genma to Yosho.

�If they concentrate on him, his ships will be destroyed in moments,� countered Yosho.

From her consol, Skuld suddenly whirled around. �Sir, Iscandar is reporting another group approaching from the southern sectors!�

�What!� exclaimed Happosai, moving up to the railing.

�Put it on the screen, please,� ordered Yosho.

A yellow box panned across the display, zooming in on the lower half of Tauri where the battleship Iscandar, her sister Io, and the remaining three ships of the group were forming into a defensive circle in the face of the flickering swarm coming towards them. Another box appeared, the screen zooming out then panning to the upper half where another swarm of aircraft arched their way over towards the battlegroup.

�How many planes do the Proximians have!� shouted Zenigata, banging his fist angrily on the upper railing.

�Looks like more than our estimates,� said Soun. �I believe we have just been had.�

�Admiral,� Kasumi said to Cologne. �Commander Lupin is requesting permission to engage.�

�Which group?� asked Zenigata.

�He says he doesn�t care.�

�Tell him to stand-by,� replied Cologne. She peered down at Happosai. �We have to do something, Happy!�

�Yes, but do we split our force and try to engage them all,� he answered.

�That would be suicide,� said Genma.

�The same can be said for the Proximians.�

Yosho frowned, looking down at him. �Sir?�

A swirling cloud hovered around Happosai�s head as he analyzed the displays around the bridge.

�No. If they hit us piecemeal, they�ll probably get two or three ships. For a strike of this size I doubt that is their intention.�

�Hm,� mused Yosho, thinking a moment. �The Transport Convoy?� he suggested.

�Maybe.�

Genma suddenly pointed to the main display again. �Do my eyes deceive me or is that a second wave coming behind the first wave?�

It was true; another swarm of Proximian attack planes was making their way around Tauri.

�This is dreadful. We cannot be everywhere, Happy!� said Cologne.

But Happosai�s attention was directed back up at the tactical displays. He watched them closely, noticing how the first wave had blown by the Pluto group, how the upper and lower groups had left just enough ships to occupy Captain Godot�s formation, and pictured an imaginary line from each of them following it along until they crossed at one spot.

U.F.S. Tunis.

Happosai�s pipe dropped from his mouth.

�Get me Captain Russo ASAP! Cologne, tell Lupin the target is the Tunis and to get over there pronto!�

Most of the fighters and attack planes were already edged up in the direction of the distant battle when the order to move came out. They streaked across the void to assist their comrades already fighting for their lives against the onslaught.

Captain Porco Russo�s face appeared up on the main screen.

�Porco, it looks like your ground zero this go round,� Happosai told him.

The portly Captain made a slight grimace, glancing briefly up at his displays.

�We�ll do what we can, sir,� he replied.

�I want you to get you and your ships out of there! Head out into deep space if you have too, but get out of there!�

�And leave them unhindered to attack you, sir? Then when you leave, they go after the Convoy and Station Hammermill. The Prox have thought this one out extremely well, sir.�

�Then move closer to us so we can mutually support one another!�

�Risky, sir. Besides--.� Russo paused to press a button on the arm of his chair. The roar of point defense weapons erupted in the background.

�It�s too late for that. Wish us luck.�

He gave them a broad grin, saluting smartly as the screen faded.

Yosho turned to Gosunkugi. �Hikaru, order Captain Schneider to dispatch Bemelox, Xanthus and Demur over to assist Tunis immediately!�

Sasami called up to him. �Sir, Commander Kamui is requesting permission to break station and move his group over to assist Tunis.�

�No!� answered Happosai. �Tell him to maintain his coverage of the convoy!�

�Yes sir.� Sasami relayed the order then suddenly started laughing.

�Something funny, Ensign?� asked Genma.

�That puffed up excuse for a Commodore is requesting to depart the area until it is safe to return, sir.�

�He wants to what!�

Yosho snickered lightly to himself. �Mind yourself, Ensign,� he said with a grin. �Relay to the good Commodore from me that I do not think he is in any danger.�

�(He, he, he) Sorry, sir. Yes, sir.�

The skies around the Tunis task group were ablaze with gunfire, rapid flashes from exploding planes, missiles and ordinance dancing around the starships like incandescent flashbulbs. The wild melee of aircraft reminded some of a feeding frenzy sharks and piranha fish went into when feasting on their prey. The Proximian�s could smell blood, and were determined to make the kill this day.

�Kasumi, did we hold any planes back for our cover,� Cologne suddenly asked, caution rising to mind.

�The Royal Aces, Mavericks, and Bandits were held overhead, Admiral,� she replied. �We could not get them out in time to join the rest of the squadrons.�

�It�s just as well,� she said lightly, watching as the battle around the carrier intensified.

A large flash appeared amidst the Pluto task group, several hits registering on the Tunis. Damage reports started coming in.

�Captain Kibagami is reporting heavy superstructure damage to the Pluto,� Skuld told them. �Carson City has lost primary power to her forward defense screens, and the James is not responding to hails.�

�Tunis just took three torpedoes near hanger bays one and five!� added Sasami. �Battleship Triparetti has lost primary propulsion and is drifting off station.�

�They�re getting pounded out there!� cried Zenigata.

�We can�t shift anymore ships over to help them,� Happosai said. �That would leave the convoy and star station exposed if an attack comes this way.�

Those who could see saw how tight the skin around Happosai�s cheeks was, frustration gnawing at him, hands flexing repeatedly. More explosions ripped across the Tunis and her escorts. Genma had the fighter net put on audio for them to hear.

[Hey, hey, somebody catch this group of Flamers running on the carriers portside!]

[I got two bomber groups pushing torps into Hunyadi�s face. I need help here!]

[Teal, watch your six, you got sharks moving in on you guys!]

[There�s too damn many off these Bastards! Why doesn�t the Tunis bag ass outta here?]

[I�M HIT. I GOTTA EJECT!]

Happosai let out an angry growl. �Yosho, get me Porco again!� he shouted.

The connection was made, Porco Russo�s image flashing back on the main screen. His bridge was a shambles, consoles sparking behind him, emergency lights bathing everything in a dull beige glow. Several explosions wracked the Tunis, Captain Russo thrown forcefully into the railing around his station. He grimaced painfully as he pulled himself back up into view.

�Porco, get the Tunis out of here. Do you hear me? Get her out of there now!� shouted Happosai.

Porco started to say something, but another strong explosion pitched him back out of view. A wash of smoke briefly obscured their vision then he staggered back, a hand pressed tight to his forehead blood streaming though his fingers.

�I�ve lost two engines, sir, and helm control is being conducted down in secondary control now.

�Have the Hunyadi tow you then!�

Porco stumbled to a knee as another blast rocked the bridge. �She has problems of her own, sir. I doubt if we can execute that safely.�

Happosai leaned towards the screen. �Then abandon ship,� he said much to everyone�s surprise.

A band of static suddenly distorted Russo�s features seconds before communications were lost.

�What! Get him back. Get him back immediately!� cried Happosai.

�We�re trying sir, but the Proximians are jamming the spectrum again!� answered Gosunkugi.

The little admiral slammed a hateful fist on the railing, spinning around in mute fury.

�Happy, we can still dispatch Commander Kamui�s group to help them,� Cologne said.

But Happosai just sadly shook his head. �No. No it�s� too late for that.�

He faced the main screen again, gesturing for the view of the battle to be displayed once more. Several ships burned in the backdrop of stars, but the Tunis shone brightest of them all like the distant sun of a solar system. The mighty carrier listed sharply to her right, sheets of flames boiling through her shattered hangerbays. What Thunderhawks left were launching out of the few remaining operational tubes; lifepods ejecting from various port around her hull. The fighting still raged around her, but it was apparent that the U.F.S. Tunis was doomed.

�Admiral, I think we�ve established communications again,� Gosunkugi said to them. �It�s not strong, but its something.�

Yosho pointed to one of the side screens, and a grainy view of what remained of the Tunis�s bridge appeared. Captain Russo barely could stand, being supported by his Executive Officer; Commander Elise. They both were badly burned and needed immediate medical attention.

�Porco, get out of there,� Happosai ordered. �Tunis is finished.�

�I still have� I still have crews trapped down in engineering. Rescue teams are� trying to get them out� now.�

The picture flickered, fading back into focus. Happosai could hear someone crying from the upper control deck. �You need to abandon ship, Captain. Evacuate now!�

Explosions staggered them; Porco and Elise looking around then shielded their faces with their arms as a burst of white light filled the bridge. Their cries lasted but a moment as the picture cut off.

On the main screen, a large flare and burst of flame suddenly enveloped the Tunis. With tremendous gouts of gas and energy, the carrier exploded.

The shockwaves that followed rumbled though the Sekigahara, the only sound as everyone stood in shock at what just transpired. Happosai closed his eyes and hung his head, sorrow filling his soul.

They were that way for a long moment, brought out suddenly by the sound of the air raid alarm that spilt the air. Hikaru Gosunkugi was rapidly tapping instructions into his console keypad, readjusting the screen to display the new threat.

�I don�t believe this,� said Soun.

�Looks like it�s our turn,� muttered Yosho.

Another wave of Proximian planes appeared around the right side of Tauri. Not as large as the first two, but enough to overwhelm the ships arrayed before them.

�Prinz Eugen is reporting over a thousand aircraft, Commodore,� Gosunkugi said.

Swallowtails shot past the carrier to engage the new targets, Yosho reviewing their ships dispositions.

�Schneider only has Prinz Eugen, cruiser Zronham, and the destroyer Blue Nile between us and that mess,� he said to Happosai.

�Not even going too dent them,� he replied, turning around. �Cologne--.�

�Kasumi, get those planes back here now!�

Kasumi switched up to the emergency net. [Ninety-nine aircraft, new raid inbound Sekigahara!]

�It�s going to take them about seven minutes to get back here,� Soun said.

�The Proximians will be on us in four,� added Murasaki.

Cologne glanced at the two then smirked. �Kasumi, have the Thunderhawk squadrons readied for immediate launch, minimum configuration. Murasaki, Jariten, seal all hanger bay blast doors. Ryooko, prepare all support craft for immediate evacuation to Tauri.�

Her orders set chills through them, but they carried them out.

Down in the pit, Sasami counted off the seconds until the lead planes entered weapons range of the Prinz Eugen group�s guns. The dreadnought�s main batteries spoke signaling the beginning of their part of the battle.

�I�m pushing Yamamoto, Jacksonville, and Paris up to forward screening position, Admiral,� Yosho told Happosai. �That should give them a clearer arc of fire.�

The Dreadnought and her accompanying cruisers slipped out of formation, moving two sectors right and up. The remaining cruiser dropped down in front of Sekigahara, the four destroyers taking station around the carrier. In the void between the two groups flew the three Swallowtail flights racing to intercept what attack planes they could take on.

[Wow,] gasped Ryoko. [This is going to be very, very close.]

Tenchi grimaced, knowing full well that they were out numbered by at least three to one. Part of the raid dropped back to occupy the outer screen of ships as the rest pressing on towards Sekigahara.

[Bean, you wanna fly high and take on that cluster up there?]

[We�ll get what we can.]

[What about you, Roger?]

[We�ll charge and see if we can help out the Prinz Eugen,] answered Commander Elway.

The formations split up and the Royal Aces spread out covering as much space as they could.

[Okay Aces, this is what we�re going to do,] continued Tenchi. [First Group and Second Group will fire first then roll back and reset while Third and Fourth move up and do the same. I figure we�ll get about two maybe three volleys out before we have to mix it up.]

[Copy, Tenchi,] said Kiyone.

[Roger,] Washu acknowledged.

[Orders received,] replied Ayeka. [And do be careful, Lord Tenchi.]

[Ooo, I hate it when you suck up like that!] snapped Ryoko.

[This is not the time, Ryoko!] hissed the princess.

[We�re with you, Tenchi,] Ez said.

Nervous seconds passed, then Tenchi pressed the trigger button on his controls. Missiles sped away from the first rows of Swallowtails. They pulled up, rolling out of the line of fire as the second two groups moved into position. A counter volley was fired from the fighters escorting the attack, missiles impacting against missiles lighting up the void. Electronics planes jammed as best they could, but casualties registered, death�s cold voice carrying across the speakers. The Aces repeated their actions, diving into the wave with relentless fury.

Back on the bridge, Happosai watched the dogfight unfold. The three squadrons were giving it all they had, but those planes not engaged continued on past. He heard Sasami call two minutes until they arrived, and then glanced up at the side scanner screen marking the return of their fighters.

Meanwhile, Yosho stood back at his command station awaiting word from Gosunkugi that all anti-air weapons were ready.

�Batteries set, Commodore,� he said. �All ships systems in sync.�

�One minute too arrival,� Sasami said, her voice shaky.

Yosho pressed a button, clearing them to fire.

[Birds locked,] reported Hikaru to the ships. [Birds away.]

A flurry of missiles erupted from all the ships streaking out towards their targets. Flickers of light dotted the screen. Another volley went out followed by a third.

The ranks of the Proximian planes had been thinned, but there were still a large number approaching.

�Thirty seconds,� said Sasami.

Yosho smirked lightly. He moved his finger over to a green button and pressed it.

[Batteries released, fire at will!] exclaimed Hikaru.

Every defense gun on the ships began firing, quickly claming hits. The Proximian planes rolled out of the sky and dived in on the attack. Their shapes could be clearly seen by the naked eye; inverted-winged bombers known to the Federation crews as Flamers swarming upon the carrier. Their eight proton energy torpedoes were aglow with a brilliant blue-white light, wing bays fat with missiles and autonomous bombs. Battleaxe attack craft followed behind with Hammerheads drawing up the rear.

It did not take long for the ships of the Sekigahara task group to feel the sting of hits upon their hulls.

An explosion rocked the carrier, Cologne shielding her eyes as several torpedoes impacted against the outer screens close near the upper superstructure.

�Kasumi--.�

�Two minutes!� she replied anticipating the Admiral�s question.

Happosai staggered as several more hits shook the ship. Clutching the railing he glanced up at the main screen, grimacing as several tell-tail tracks of inbound missiles raced towards them off the port bow. One of the screening destroyers moved up, shielding the carrier. Her side literally split apart as the weapons hit, tipping the warship over. Happosai clenched a fist tight, smashing it down on the banister.

�Thinfarrow is dropping out of formation!� reported Skuld.

Genma turned from his station. �Destroyers Seruyan is lost! She�s on fire and cannot maintain rear coverage.�

�Drop Pli back,� came Yosho�s response. Suddenly he paused looking up at the main screen. �HARD TO PORT!� he yelled as a large cluster of Flamers and Battleaxe cut in low from the portside.

They swept in braving the furious barrage, explosions marking hits as they passed through the Sekigahara�s defensive screens. Torpedoes shot away, bombs homing in on the massive blast doors protecting hanger bay one. The combined force of torpedoes ripped away enough metal to allow the smart bombs to pass into the interior before emergency plating could slide into place.

A neck wrenching blast shook the ship.

Yosho picked himself up from the deck and went to the railing. �Damage report!�

Kasumi answered him. �Hanger Bay One is on fire. Blast doors appear to have been pierced.�

�We�ve lost all defensive screens from the upper amidships aft!� Skuld reported.

�Gosunkugi, intensify defensive fire to the aft section of the ship.�

�Commodore, new attack coming in!� Genma called, pointing at the main screen.

Everyone looked up, dreading the next few seconds as another group of planes swept in on a follow up run. They made it only half way when a suddenly flurry of missiles and bolts tore into them braking up their attack.

Stingrays flew into view engaging the nearest targets around. A hearty cheer rose up at their appearance; Cologne breathing a thin sigh of relief.

�This is not over yet,� said Happosai. �The fighter maybe here, but they brought along plenty of company.�

Indeed, portions of the first and second waves had followed the fighters returning to the beleaguered carrier. Their added appearance only complicated matters. It was becoming difficult to keep the ships from suffering hits; the skies around them filled with planes like mosquitoes swarming on a hot humid night.

[You bastards got one carrier, your not going to get two!] Lupin shouted over the circuit as he blasted another Hammerhead into dust.

[Lupin,] called Kasumi.

[I hear you!]

[We need your squadron to maintain cover of the aft portion of the ship.]

[My squadron? Kasumi, the Wolfs are all over the place. I think a lot of the squadrons are like this.]

[Scrape up who you can, but we need somebody there. Sekigahara�s lost all screens protecting the engines.]

[Uh oh, that�s not good.]

Lupin rolled, vectoring his fighter around towards the aft portion of the ship.

[I don�t know how many people heard, but the ship�s tail is hanging out in the wind and we gotta cover it!]

[Yo, this is Saotome!] Ranma said. [A few others and I are all ready back here, and theses jokers are hell bent on putting pills into those exhaust tubes.]

[I can imagine.]

Aft of the carrier, the Proximians were concentrating, throwing numbers against the defenders to achieve success. Despite the multitude of casualties they were experiencing, it looked to be working as several small flights slipped past the defending fighters. Six Battleaxes lined up ready to unleash their weapons. Suddenly behind them appeared three Stingrays that let loose with a volley that destroyed four of them. The remaining two broke away hotly pursued by the fighters.

Watching the close call, Happosai breathed a sigh of relief.

�Yosho, how are the rest of the ships doing?� he asked.

�Not very welll, I�m afraid. Yamamoto�s lower hull screens have been put out of action and she�s suffered numerous hits forward. Our escorts have been literally mauled trying to protect us.�

A blast rocked the ship.

�And we are still fighting major fires in Hanger Bay One and Four now.�

Happosai grit his teeth, clamping down hard on the end of his pipe, watching the battle once more. The screams and cries echoed repeatedly over the loud speaker, point defense weapons blazing away in a warbled calliope of tones.

All of a sudden, Ranma Saotome was frantically calling over the net.

[Hey, everybody. You see what the Prox are trying to do now?]

Yosho, Genma, Happosai, and the rest of the bridge teams gazed up at the screens. A large formation of Proximian planes had gathered off the Sekigahara�s starboard quarter moving rapidly towards the rear of the ship.

[They�re pushing a wedge!] cried Mousse.

[Let�s get in there and break it up then!] came Ataru Moroboshi�s voice.

[The hell with that!] continued Ranma. [The carriers got to turn into it before it�s too late!]

[What, and move right into that mess around the Yamamoto?] said Lieutenant J.G. Parma.

[It�s the only way they can avoid them! I know they can hear me. Move the ship!]

Yosho had already taken action in response to the attack. He ordered the helm to come full right as fast as existing conditions would allow. Maneuvering thrusters flared, Sekigahara heaving over to the new course. But the damaged already sustained prevented a smooth turn. The reaction was slow, just enough for several Flamers to get through the protecting fighters.

[Whoa, we got leakers!] cried Jigen.

[Pick�em up then!] shouted Sakura.

[I can�t! I got three sharks on me right now.]

[Well somebody get them!] cried Shinobu.

Everyone appeared to be engaged in the mad dogfight raging around the ship. Finally, one of the Stingrays� eluded his opponent and dropped in behind the attacking formation.

Tsubasa Kurenai�s breath was rapid and shallow as he closed the distance between them. [I�m on�em,] he told the others. [But I only have two missiles left, and there are twelve of these bastards on the run.]

[How�s your marksmanship!] Lupin said.

[Ha, ha, very funny, Commander! I can use some help here!]

A pair of Swallowtails broke from the fight, rolling in behind Tsubasa�s plane.

[I don�t care what you guys have, but let�s make this good!]

Tsubasa fired his remaining two missiles; the Swallowtails unleashing five more in unison. Defensive missiles flared out from the Flamers, their ECM pods filling the air with decoys. Three of the missiles broke away, another exploding in mid-flight. Three blasts could be seen, two of the Proximian planes disintegrating into pieces.

[Two down, ten to go,] said Tsubasa.

From her station, Cologne shook her head. �He�s not going to get them all,� she said.

�Helm, increase thrust!� ordered Yosho.

�We�ve got all available thrusters on now, sir,� came the helmsman�s reply.

[Hey, somebody tell those guys to shoot,] Tsubasa was heard to say over the speaker.

[They might hit you guys,] said Kiyone.

[Better than getting your ass shot off! Fire for god�s sake!]

The command crew looked back up at Yosho, waiting for his word. He was reluctant, but gave Hikaru a curt nod of the head. Gosunkugi removed the safety sectors from the aft point defense weapons and they open fired.

That, plus the added turn of the carrier disrupted the Flamers, slowing them down enough for Tsubasa and the two Swallowtails to rapidly close on them. Dodging the friendly fire, Tsubasa�s sight locked down on the rear most plane. He fired hitting it in one of its engines and the Flamer banked sharply away. He let it go, picking up the next one in the formation. Another bomber succumbed to one of the Swallowtails burst, two more exploding as the point defense weapons caught them.

[I think we�re going to get these guys,] said Tsubasa excitedly.

[TSUBASA, LOOK OUT. TWO O�CLOCK HIGH!] came the frantic call from Kasumi.

Out o the void above him dived four Hammerheads. He cried out, banking sharply away to avoid their fire, breaking his lock on the remaining six bombers. Mouths dropped open in terror as a spread of torpedoes headed for the engines of the carrier.

�This is going to hurt,� Zenigata said moments before a tumultuous explosion ripped through the ship.

Sekigahara was obscured from view in a blinding flash of light. Pilots of both sides covered their eyes or turned away to protect their vision. As the light faded, the carrier hung motionless in space like a wounded animal, all three engine ports dark, flames licking up though breeches around her hull.

[Holy Mother of--,]

[Save it, Jigen,] Arsine said. [God can�t help us now.]

For the Proximians, this signaled the end of their attack. What planes remained quickly broke contact and sped off back to their bases to spread the new of their victory over the Federation.

There would be no pursuit, the pilots to stunned and tired to fight anymore. Several of the planes made a flyby of the stricken carrier, making desperate calls to see if anyone was alive. No response came, leaving them lost and confused for the moment.

[What now, Lupin?] asked Carson D Carson.

As the senior most pilot, Arsine found himself suddenly in command of the wing. He sighed. [We�ll disperse to Tauri for now,] he said. [Regroup, and... do what we can until they can get teams aboard the ship.]

Yamamoto, Hunyadi, and several other ships were moving up next to the Sekigahara to begin rescue operations.

[You think the Proximian�s are going to come back?] asked Jigen.

[Not right away. They�ve got to lick their wounds too.]

[Yeah, but--.] Jigen paused, staring down at the carrier below. [Damn,] was all he could say.

[All right every one; let�s get planet side. There�s still a war going on.]

The surviving fighters peeled away and headed towards Tauri. Arsine gave the Sekigahara one last look then shook his head bitterly before turning his plane around to join them�

End of Book Two